The fifth P17A Nilgiri-class frigate Taragiri (YD 12653) of the Indian Navy. Credit: Indian Ministry of Defence/Government of India/Press Information Bureau.

India is set to enhance its naval capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) with the recent approval of next generation Project 17 Bravo frigates.

This initiative, approved by the Defence Acquisition Council, aims to improve deterrence against an increasing Chinese presence in the region.

The project involves the construction of seven frigates, at a cost of Rs700bn ($8.34bn). These new vessels will feature significant advancements over the existing Nilgiri-class frigates, currently in service, further strengthening the Indian Navy’s operational capacity.

According to a report by GlobalData, India will allocate $41.9bn over the next decade for the procurement of naval vessels. A substantial 32.3% of this investment will be directed towards frigate acquisitions, including the Project 17 Bravo ships.

Harsh Deshmukh, Aerospace & Defence Analyst at GlobalData, highlighted that the Indian Navy is addressing not only the growing influence of China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy but also other maritime threats, such as piracy, smuggling, and natural disasters. The new frigates will be equipped with advanced radar and electronic warfare systems, enabling them to operate independently in complex maritime missions.

Project 17 Bravo is expected to keep India’s shipbuilding industry robust, maintaining the expertise developed through previous naval construction projects. These new frigates will incorporate indigenous technologies, such as the Vertically Launched Short-Range Surface to Air Missile (VL-SRSAM) and the Barak-8 missile system for surface-to-air attacks.

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The ships will also feature the Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) and the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile for surface-to-surface combat, supporting India’s “Make in India” initiative by promoting locally developed defence technologies.

India’s strategic focus extends beyond military development, with logistics agreements signed with countries including the US, Russia, and Japan. These partnerships will enhance the Navy’s ability to conduct extended patrols and safeguard key maritime routes in the IOR.

Deshmukh concluded that the introduction of Project 17 Bravo frigates would significantly expand India’s Blue Water naval capabilities, allowing the Indian Navy to support its allies and secure crucial maritime trade routes.